Associate Director of Flight Operations - Flight Test Pilot (Onsite)

Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Job Type: Full time, Onsite
Job ID: 01772176
Date Posted: 2025-06-23

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is actively seeking an experienced and highly skilled Flight Test Pilot to join its Flight Operations team. This pivotal role supports the advancement and certification of cutting-edge avionics product lines. Based onsite at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this position is integral to the development, meticulous planning, expert execution, and comprehensive reporting of crucial flight test activities.

This position requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is defined as a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). This includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S.

Key Responsibilities:

Serving as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) or Second-in-Command (SIC) on company-owned or operated aircraft during test flights.
Collaborating closely with engineering teams to develop detailed flight test plans and reports required for demonstrating compliance with applicable regulations.
Conducting and observing ground and flight tests to ensure adherence to established procedures and capture valid data.
Ensuring compliance with regulations within the scope of their authorization and discipline.
Applying robust risk management practices to conduct flights safely, identifying hazards and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
Participating in research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the maturity and safety of company products.
Contributing significantly to the overall operational effectiveness of the flight test operations department.
Maintaining current qualifications and proficiency in multiple aircraft as assigned based on project needs.
Actively participating in and applying knowledge gained from company-sponsored training programs.
Exercising exceptional professionalism and sound judgment in all operational and technical activities.
Maintaining the highest degree of objectivity throughout testing and reporting processes.

Required Qualifications:

Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) combined with a minimum of 12 years of relevant prior experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience.
Must meet the definition of a U.S. Person as specified above.
Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with Multi-engine and Instrument Ratings.
A minimum flight experience of 4000 hours Total Time (TT), 2000 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC), and 1500 hours Multi-engine.
Must meet or exceed the minimum FAA Technical Qualifications and Experience requirements for Flight Test Pilot DER, specifically including 2000 hours PIC (at least 100 hours within the past 12 months) and 100 hours of experimental flight testing.
Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible engineering experience. An engineering degree may substitute for up to 4 years of this experience requirement.
Strong understanding of regulatory requirements related to civil aircraft approvals and extensive experience in the certification process, including avionics certification experience on FAA Part 23/25 aircraft.
Working knowledge of applicable 14 CFR parts and related guidance material.
Significant experience collaborating directly with the FAA.
Possession of a current FAA First-Class Medical certificate.
Previous flight experience in turbine aircraft and within a multi-crew environment.
Ability to travel worldwide without restriction.

Preferred Qualifications:

Existing FAA DER/ODA Unit Member (UM) Flight Test Pilot credentials, particularly including authority for Auto Flight Control systems.
Type ratings for Challenger 604 and/or Challenger 350 aircraft.
Extensive international operating experience.
Graduation from an accredited test pilot school.

Benefits:

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wealth, and well-being of its employees, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Generous paid time off, starting with three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Robust 401(k) plan featuring employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contributions, with a Lifetime Income Strategy option
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
Optional coverages available for purchase, such as pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal services, and ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits
Access to Ovia Health for fertility and family planning support
Adoption Assistance program
Autism Benefit
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Healthy You Incentives wellness rewards program
Doctor on Demand virtual doctor visits
Bright Horizons child and elder care services
Teladoc Medical Experts second opinion program
And many more!

Company Overview:

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a global leader in providing technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the aerospace and defense industry. With unmatched capabilities, a comprehensive portfolio, and deep expertise, Collins Aerospace is uniquely positioned to address the most complex challenges faced by customers and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. The Avionics division delivers cutting-edge cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for government, commercial, and business aviation customers worldwide. The company provides essential connectivity and managed data services, ensuring safety and seamless communication from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Joining Collins Aerospace means becoming part of a team dedicated to creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time, and redefining aerospace every day.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $147,000 to $295,000 USD. The specific salary offered may vary based on factors including the role's function and responsibilities, the candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits as outlined above, with specifics potentially depending on the business unit and collective-bargaining agreements. Additionally, hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs based on position level and collective bargaining agreements. Payments under these programs are contingent upon various factors, including individual, business unit, and company performance. This is a U.S.-based role, and appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply if the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory.

RTX anticipates the application window for this position will close approximately 40 days from the date of posting, though business needs may necessitate adjusting this timeframe.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.